Then, I wonder how the prospects feel. Especially arms like Lee, Fife, and Garcia (tried as a starter before his injury). Can’t be thrilled to see guys like Nolasco, Maholm, Capuano, and others brought in. Three former closers and they want MORE bullpen help. Mattingly saying Kemp doesn’t deserve CF. Also saying his “best” outfield means Ethier sits regularly. Hanley making an off-the-cuff remark about Puig (“if everybody shows up…” when Puig was late arriving for pre-game a while back).

Is the term “in-fighting” relevant? lol. L.A. Where the drama isn’t always on t.v. But hey… Oh yeah, that’s another part of the story.

Foothills Ryan

Rays unable to make it 10 straight. Four and a half games back of wild card.

Nats beat Reds behind strong Fister outing.

Red Sox considering some kind of Lester for Kemp deal.

DrLefty

To me the weirdest thing is they need a center fielder, their top prospect is a CF, and he’s raking in AAA. But they’re too log-jammed to bring Pederson up, so they make a succession of corner OFs play center.

Fortress Keeper

Hopefully Blanco responds to challenge of leading off. I’ll be at the game today so I’m crossing my fingers that Giants avoid a sweep.

Foothills Ryan

Just win one, baby.

Matthew

I went to two of those 3 in 2012, and it felt like the season was over and down the drain….

It wasn’t.

Let’s go boys. But, if you don’t pull it off tonight, it isn’t over.

carmot

You see Rosenthal’s tweet that the Giants checked in on Rios? Stubborn front office, do they STILL covet him? Almost seems like exactly the type of thing… Anybody want that to happen?

And the price for a rental guy- even like Bonifacio- keeps going up. Nats also need a guy like him now.

HaakAway

Hope that oversight on Defense ends up costing them in the longer run. Pitching they are piling up but defense is the Giants’ crack in their armor.

DrLefty

I just read that, too (about Lester for Kemp), but it doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.

Let’s start with the Dodgers. Do they really want to dump Kemp that badly that they’ll take a two-month rental (albeit a really good one) AND pay much of Kemp’s salary? Seems like they’d want more back for Kemp. I can appreciate why they’d like to offload him and bring up Pederson–makes a ton of sense–but still, Kemp does have value.

As for the Red Sox, I understand why they might shop Lester, but I thought the point was to get prospects. Taking on a pricey diva whose skills have declined sounds like the 2011 Red Sox, not the 2014 Red Sox.

DrLefty

I don’t get the Rios rumor at all. Where would he play? He’s never played left. He’s mostly played right and a bit of center. And he’s expensive. In today’s dollars for free agent outfielders, maybe not so bad…did I mention “where would he play”?

DrLefty

Bring it home, Fortress Keeper!

channelclemente

I’d speculate that it’s what you’ve done the last 3-4 weeks and not year they depend on, especially with a team irrevocably committed to those salaries.

carmot

Yeah, that’s definitely one of their big issues. Backlash of their lack of organizational… Uh, organizing. A lesser note is the similarity of Seager- with Hanley maybe moving to 3B if he’s re-signed. The rumor mill has had them interested in B Phillips or Asdrubal or even Starlin. Uribe still has one more year. lol.

Matthew

Brian sometimes goes for the specials rack regardless of what is already in the closet. Don’t be surprised

Foothills Ryan

I think it makes all kind of sense. They could put Kemp in LF and DH down the road. But the Dodgers would have to send a considerable amount of money and a prospect or two – likely outside their Big 3.

Foothills Ryan

Tuesday Mornings then you dropped the mic.

That was tight, bro.

channelclemente

Sniff for Cuban cigar smoke. Jobu may be there.

Matthew

We white, but we tight.

channelclemente

Myra?

Foothills Ryan

you know that Boz Skaggs song:

“like the sewer when it rains
our love went down the drain”

carmot

I think there’s lots of peripheral factors here. Lester reluctance to extend. Sox not getting the outfield productivity they thought they could (after losing Ellsbury to NYY). Donnie wants Kemp gone, Kemp wants Kemp gone. Ethier (probably) wants Kemp gone. lol. Yeah, not the least of which is Joc needing a place to play.

Yep. And then the Dodgers made the big trade later (August 26) to bring in Gonzo, Crawford etc. It was over then as well. Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?

carmot

By golly, I don’t know. I doubt Bochy could keep him as a bench bat. He’s too susceptible to get him starting time. We all know Rios was coveted since Lincecum… It SCARES me, that this might be the next move.

Would Pence seriously move to CF? I also can’t imagine Morse being sat or released. I. just. don’t. get. it. Kinda reminds me of kicking the tires on an injured Ted Lilly last season. (I’m still not over that one). IMO. Pointless.

Peter Johnson

So does Panik, but Bruce Bochy is a hard man to convince.

carmot

Enjoy. And please help ensure the “Let’s go Dodg__!” chants get covered up. (Sorry, I can’t even type the whole thing). I was lucky enough to go to some EPIC games this year. Bum’s first grand slam, and a few days later… The 12-inning win vs. these very same Dodgers. Enjoy. Go Giants!

MLBSF

LOL @ Blanco leading off

Another garbage line-up. The bottom four guys are hitting .100.

I wonder what is going though Peavy’s mind about his debut besides “I better throw a no-hitter tonight.”

I have the “It’s getting so Uggla” update ready to go.

smh

E-B

“Kemp wants Kemp gone”

good way of putting it Carm. He will be outta LA soon, I think.

MLBSF

Did you apologize yet for collaborating with the suicide-wisher?

E-B

; )

wordsmith Matthew! funny too!

HaakAway

Yes, I like seeing Panik in there as much as possible. Maybe a later inning pinch-hit by Panik happens if they knock out Ryu? That whole R/L match up seems to have some holes in it. Worth a deeper look on some off day.

Matthew

Love having you around, E-B. We need your sunshine.

Matthew

I do, too…and melanin in the soul

E-B

: )

your brain waves are just as needed! + + +

channelclemente

Didn’t the Russians make a run at Palin’s front porch?

carmot

lol. I guess I just don’t see any way Kemp can stay in LA. I mean, he CANNOT possibly finish the season there. Maybe $60M included to unload him. LOL. Seriously.

Guggenheim Group has to be feeling it. Sign a guy like Hanley, pay part of Kemp’s salary, worry about Greinke opting out after 2015. They could push $300M payroll for 2015. Still tv/media broadcast issues. If they don’t win it all this year, it’s a bleak landscape at the Ravine.

livefreerdi

I would suggest they didn’t crush Ryu earlier this season … some balls fell in, he walked some guys early in the game, and there was some bad defense. But yeah … it was a hell of a lot better than what we’ve seen in the past several games.

E-B

yeah, good points. I think it remains to be seen if a team can ‘buy’ a WS title. I think the BoSox 2013 team sure showed the world ya don’t need a whole team of shiny jewels to win it all.

Matthew

Stop it…just go with your shtick and don’t target anyone. We cool?

Matthew

David Ortiz sure is a d__khead. And we thought Puig’s bat flips were punk. Ortiz set a new bar.

MLBSF

I have to admit listening to that fan boy PCON pipe in on Marty’s show is excruciating.
When he starts in wiith Murph and Mac during on weekday mornings, it makes one want to drive off the nearest overpass.

(That’s just an expression ClutchUp. Don’t get your hopes up). smh

channelclemente

Second base is an odd position, historically. These numbers, .260/.299/.367/.666, are Bill Mazeroski’s lifetime numbers with the Pirates (1956 – 1972). He accumulated about 31 WAR over 18 years of play. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991.

HaakAway

Pitching dominated years so I would want to know where he place among his peers. Was is ’65 there were only a couple hitters over .300?

totalfan62

I disagree with anyone who says this game/series isn’t important. We should not get swept at home last week of July. I know the GB & games still to play, but we need to see a Giants team with focus and intensity. National audience, good time to shine.

Michael Scott

He was also one of the greatest defensive second baseman ever. There aren’t nearly enough great defenders in the Hall. The crime is that it took him so long to get there.

giantc

I agree with HaakAway — the position has really changed over the last several years with many teams getting significant offensive production out of the position.

carmot

Thanks. No. I don’t think an MLB team can *ever* buy a title. Too many moving targets, like health and strength of schedule and how strong a division is one given year. Too many factors. NBA, with 5 players on the court, would be easier to argue for this IMO.

I’m not worried by the Dodgers. *IF* they ever figure out how to spend money productively, I’ll be extremely worried. They lost bidding on Tanaka to the kings of spending (NYY). They triple up closers, tried to keep Victorino as a 5th OF. They sign 8-deep for their rotation. If they actually figure out how to put their money on the field… Watch out.

4 players accounted for 25% of their RBI’s in 2013. Hairston, Punto, Shumaker, and M Ellis. All gone. A Gon was the only one w/ 100 RBI. Next highest was 57 RBI ON THE WHOLE $225M TEAM!

I looked at the NYY lineup today, it baffles me. Jeter, Ellsbury, Beltran, McCann, Headley… Just looks crazy those guys are all in the same lineup. Who would’ve thought 12 months ago?

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/giants/ ClutchUp

Ryu falls off to the third base side after his delivery. I’d like to see some push/drag bunt attemps making both Ryu and Gonzo try to field on the right side.

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/giants/ ClutchUp

Spoken like the True non fan that you are. Were you a preemie baby?

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/giants/ ClutchUp

Palin wouldn’t even get that joke, but maybe Tena Fey…

channelclemente

If it were today, everybody would be bent out of shape over he .299 OBP.

BallDinger

Not all of us readers are as plugged in as you are.
We do read this blog and many times, the comments.
You are a particularly tired contributor. You’re always so negative.
If this is comedy or entertainment, I guess I don’t get the joke.
Your comments drag this blog down. Not funny.

Panda Puffs are Delicious

Why would they not try for him if they know something about Pagan being done that they aren’t telling us? If he could play center he’s an immediate upgrade to the line up. The guys hits for average, has pop and can steal bases. He also has a 13.5 club option for 2015 which is a lot but given they probably need to figure out what to do about LF again it could be a lot worse. I like it personally but as always boils down to cost.

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/giants/ ClutchUp

Counting on you!
Enjoy!

MLBSF

lol @ the name BallDinger
What you do in your private life is your business if you ask meeeee

channelclemente

IMO, the Yankees with their incestuous relationship with the Kansas City A’s bought several in the late ’50’s and early ’60’s.

I just noticed the records for Oakland and Texas for their 4pm game…Texas is 23 1/2 games out….wonder how the blog looks in Arlington.

Knox Harrington

Will Blanco continue to swing for the fences hitting leadoff? Most probably

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/giants/ ClutchUp

in Michigan it’s SUPER KMart

channelclemente

From what I read it’s the being behind the Astros that’s making them crazy. They shouldn’t have messed with Ryan…he’s got a long memory.

Knox Harrington

But But they faced, Hamels, Greinke and Kershaw!!! Don’t forget this team couldn’t even muster one run off of Eric Stults, lol

Michael Scott

Willie Mays would have belonged in the Hall even if his OBP was .299.

BALDHEADSLIK1

Whats wrong with the name Balldinger? U dont like his name?

channelclemente

Yeah, and…

Matthew

Haven’t been watching lately, huh?

E-B

yeech, dunno.

i do wonder when they become sellers though bcuz of the 23.5 GB.

HaakAway

Read above … the Giants got swept the same series, against the Doggers in 2012 … not a bad year for the Giants. Seems it is more about how the players think of themselves if they get swept than anyone else. Even us … :>)

Michael Scott

You have Blank-O between your ears, pal.

carmot

Worst record in baseball, right? Geez, they got hammered by injuries. Let’s not let Giants fans think we got it worse than every other team this season. The AL West is something fierce this. They got one more year of Beltre, The expensive Choo, and really need to push through before Darvish opts out- and the Astros possibly take over. Rough.

Knox Harrington

You mad brah?

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/giants/ ClutchUp

Thank you, not only is s/he a clown – I never was on board last night during what s/he is quoting. Ask Brownie. What a complete imbecile twerp.

BALDHEADSLIK1

Nice 1

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/giants/ ClutchUp

Nice New Brandon Crawford Blog!

The Oracle

In 1968, Carl Yastremski hit .301 to win the AL batting title. He was the only .300 hitter in the league.

DrLefty

The Astros seem pretty dysfunctional. Messing up their draft this year–picking Appel over Bryant last year–now promoting Appel to AA with an ERA of almost 10 in high A AND bringing him to the major league park to throw a bullpen. I read the Astros’ current players were furious.

Michael Scott

The pernt is that the Hall is littered with guys who were poor defenders. With few exceptions, a great defender also has to be a great hitter.

The Oracle

He’s all natural.

carmot

You do make some good points.
I appreciate you not jumping to conclusions about Pagan’s health. How many have access to his medical records to actually make a proclamation that he or another “is done for the season.” Just don’t know. But it’s worrisome, no doubt.

DrLefty

His game sounds like a good fit for the Giants and the park. I still don’t quite get where he fits in the current picture, but I think I’d rather have him than Morse in the OF next year if I got to pick.

The Oracle

Nothing is over until we say it’s over.

Michael Scott

No, bro. Hot as hell here, have a cabbage leaf on my head, a lemonade, a bowl of cherries and dumber-heads like you to amuse me. Life is good.

E-B

hmmm….well…

didn’t Gregor Blanco get some nice hits recently against some really good, and I mean, prolly some of the best pitchers in baseball:

while I still prefer Gregor in that most difficult, never-see-a-pitch-to-hit #8 spot, bcuz he gets on base and forces the opposing pitcher to get distracted by his speed….I’m good w/ him up there in the l/u, simply bcuz he’s got hits and others don’t.

I really want Blanco to just keep on doing what he’s been doing for the past few weeks, and not get distracted by the ‘glam’ of the long ball stuff.

BALDHEADSLIK1

Probably 3 people communicating amongst 1 another.

The Oracle

I don’t want any part of a guy who only runs when he’s motivated.

DodgersMavericksCowboysMadrid

Can anyone tell me who is in first place. Oh and by the way Kershaw freaking owns ya LOL

Panda Puffs are Delicious

Trust me I want Pagan back as much as the next guy but if its serious, they need another OF plain and simple. They saw what happened last year trying to run blanco out there full time. Plus I like Rios.

carmot

Yes, they were- it was the bullpen session. Fans have gone through not being able to watch Astros games- like the Dodgers deal. Then they suffer a historic level of losing for 4 years. Then can’t sign the #1 pick, which freefalls into losing two other picks. Singleton has had character issues, Appel hasn’t performed as well as hoped.

There’s the report of trade notes leaked. The service time issues and failed contract offers to prospects. Neared a court lawsuit IIRC. But they got George Springer, who I’ve followed (mentioned several times last season). He’s pretty awesome.

livefreerdi

Giants only a mild underdog in Vegas today. I wouldnt touch that, but breeze blowing out and so many uncertains … just a hunch that over 7 runs is the spot play today

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/giants/ ClutchUp

The visual is what YOU see BUT when he got two hits off Sale and Hamel and one last night off of Kershaw his SWING WAS THE SAME. Do you know what to look for?
A) when he swings and misses / when everybody swings and misses – swings look LONG, thus “for the fences”
B) Gregor imo, needs a more dominant top hand = hits some bloops back of SS, but then WHO doesn’t do that?

Reread Alex’s intro above. Gregor’s doing better than most…

DodgersMavericksCowboysMadrid

Yes how can you take Appel over Bryant LOL same like the Texas GM messed up the team getting a washed up Fielder, signing Andrus for 120 million LOL and an overhyped player like Choo for 150 LOL. They are the new Phillies

MLBSF

LOOOOOOOOOOL!
Lies

I have the screen cap

BALDHEADSLIK1

Funny sheet that Kemp makes so much money that its difficult to deal him, Oh Goody.

E-B

thanks for reminder. I do tend to forget that other teams are dealing w/ injuries too.

re: TEX.
they also have Fielder’s mega contract too, which weighs them down, figuratively and literally.

Knox Harrington

Whoah. Sorry I was late to the party and haven’t been living on this blog forever like some of you. It wasn’t designed to be humorous, I find nothing funny at all about Blanco trying to hit home runs. Like he attempted to do at least twice off Greinke and yeah obviously he’s been doing it for too long. Once he stops doing it (no issue if the Giants are actually winning the game easily, then let him pretend he’s Bonds by all means) me and others won’t have to call him out for it. In close games where he should be doing all he can to get on base, it’s pretty ridiculous.

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/giants/ ClutchUp

It is the Nolan Ryan and Ian Kinsler CURSE!

BALDHEADSLIK1

Go run backwards on the Nimitz.

Knox Harrington

His name is Michael Scott – he is the fearless keyboard warrior of the Mercury Blog. His name is Michael Scott. Scott Scott, Scottty. Little Michael Scott, his mummy is ever so proud. That’s my boy on the Giants Mercury Blog, ohhhh little Michael Scott!

DrLefty

They have a left fielder. Daniel Nava’s been a better overall hitter than Kemp the last two seasons and he’s not a train wreck in the OF, either. That SBN Boston article Carmot linked laid it out pretty well. And it doesn’t even touch the fact that Kemp can be a pouty diva.

carmot

Tell me how you do in the 14-game stretch against LAA, MIL, and ATL. Around 8/20, let’s see who’s leading the NL West. Deal?

The Oracle

Has there been an update on Panik’s ankle?

DodgersMavericksCowboysMadrid

How did Hicks hit that home run of Kershaw. I still get nightmares about it

Knox Harrington

I didn’t watch the game against Kershaw but he took 2 cuts against Greinke where he almost fell over..

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/giants/ ClutchUp

How high was the mound in 68?

DodgersMavericksCowboysMadrid

Dodgers will win the division by 10 games. Forgot last year? LOL

BallDinger

On this blog, a Giants Extra blogger has a name. His name is Michael Scott. His name is Michael Scott.
He is a man and he has a name.

carmot

Huh. Maybe right next to the brick outside AT&T Park that says “Property of Clayton Kershaw” we’ll fit another brick with his playoff stats.

DodgersMavericksCowboysMadrid

Again hatting on a great ballplayer. Every good player not on the Giants is a punk for this guy LOL

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/giants/ ClutchUp

See below.
And PS – that is what they’re paid to do Mr. Fan of the pretty CK7.

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/giants/ ClutchUp

BEAT LA PHILLIE AVATAR sweetie and you were NOT around in 2010/2012 unless your name was/is Woj.

Knox Harrington

HIS NAME IS MICHAEL SCOTT! HIS NAME IS MICHAEL SCOTT! HIS NAME IS MICHAEL SCOTT! HIS NAME IS MICHAEL SCOTT!

MLBSF

I thought you said you weren’t around during this?

http://blogs.mercurynews.com/giants/ ClutchUp

Papi is 100 prcent repected among his peers.

Puig?

DodgersMavericksCowboysMadrid

No run support

carmot

I can’t help it… Think of what Kemp’s reaction would be when his next employer informs him he’ll be DH’ing most of the time. LOL. Oh, that would inter-est-ing. Yeah.

The Oracle

Apparently about the size of a Foothill. They lowered it to its current height the next year.

carmot

Yes, need another OF solution. I’d prefer younger, team controlled. This concept of trading our best prospects for 34 year-old rentals is infuriating. Terminal 1-year ‘solutions’ just don’t cut it IMO. I guess, at least Rios has a team option for 2015. One of your good points about considering him, kinda.

DrLefty

New post. Pacman’s going to post that unicorn again, I know it, because it actually sounds like Angel Pagan is close to starting a rehab assignment.

Michael Scott

He has a natural upper cut to his swing. It’s always been that way, he does try to change his approach but some seem to think that becoming a good drag bunter and not hitting the ball in the air is a matter of not wanting to. As the saying goes: if it was easy, everybody be doin’ it. He is what he is and will be close to that this year: a .250 hitter with a good OBP and very good defense.

Michael Scott

Again?

BallDinger

We could all probably benefit by watching Fight Club again.

carmot

Yeah, ouch. That Fielder deal. He was supposed to be incredible w/ the short porch at home. Uh, wha’ happened? Yikes. And injured. For practically the first time in his career- like Bronson Arroyo. One just never knows.

paul in p.v.

Noxious.

paul in p.v.

Shows you the value of 1 HR in the 7th Game huh.

E-B

true…

hey Carmy…so glad u bak…have a burning Q for ya…and I think only u and Vegas are the guys w/ who’d be in-the-know about it:

what do you think of Adam Eaton as a trade target for us?

Vegas Giants Fan suggested it a while back, and VGF usually makes factual, well-thought-out suggestions, backed w/ good data.

Michael Scott

It seems to have taken awhile but by gum, you did it. That’s my name.

Hopper15

Bochy just keeps hoping Blanco will thrive in the leadoff and it continues to backfire.

Michael Scott

Yep, still is.

avwh

That’s just what I was going to write: he’s in the Hall for his career D and one critical HR in the World Series.

Michael Scott

True enough.

avwh

That was also the year of Bob Gibson’s 1.12 ERA for the SEASON.

Michael Scott

I’m beginning to think that Catsup nailed you.

E-B

coach’s i’s.

thx for sharing.

Knox Harrington

His name is Michael Scott – he is the fearless keyboard warrior of the Mercury Blog. His name is Michael Scott. Scott Scott, Scottty. Little Michael Scott, his mummy is ever so proud. That’s my boy on the Giants Mercury Blog, ohhhh little Michael Scott!

Michael Scott

Maybe Morse should watch Gregor swing and emulate it, then

BallDinger

I still believe that Fight Club is an important movie. A movie we should rewatch every few years. The message thrives.

Matthew

Try to read my posts and don’t lump me in. I have quite a bit of respect for many opponents.

carmot

Thanks E-B. I’ll be honest and say I’d defer to VGF, I don’t portend that I know or can follow as much.

Personally? I’ve not been that high on Eaton, even w/ ARI or in the trade to CHW. He’s been amazing for the White Sox. But I don’t expect his projection to sustain this All-Star level for years. Playing at The Cell maybe helps.

2012 & 2013 saw CHW in a bad way. Embarrassing play like poor defense and base running especially. Eaton makes them better in those things, while his slash hitting works for them too (with a bunch of lugs on their roster). He’s a part of their future, IMO. A big part. They got Abreu, and are trying to build to win in 2015 or 2016.

I’m not sure they can, I’m not excited by most of their prospects (even Klay’s bro Mychal Thompson). I would’ve been interested in Noesi over Peavy. But they’ll absolutely need guys like Danks, Rienzo, and Belisario to step up alongside Sale.

They’ve got roster decisions, for sure. Like Vicideo and De Aza. Beckham should go (please not to SF!). But I expect Eaton isn’t moved. YMMV. (I still like Marcus Semien for our bench and would still take the flier on hard-throwing Damien Magnifico, if they want to deal). Cheers.

DrLefty

You need a lot of run support when you give up 8 runs by the fifth inning of an elimination game. That is quite true. Of course, it didn’t help that “Say Hey” Puig, a “great defender,” booted a couple balls in right field to extend innings and make things worse.

E-B

wow, Carmy. great stuff…I never heard of some o those guys, so will be off looking them up on www.

thanks! (and based on your intel, I’d have to agree that they won’t move a less-than-30-yrs-old OF, whom the acquired in a trade w/ AZ. They are rebuilding around Sale and Abreu, for sure.)

awesome to have you back : )

TheRealKetchUp

Not among Price and archer, so 100 percent is a little high.

DrLefty

Oh, and the Red Sox have a DH. Pretty good one, and he’s not leaving anytime soon.

carmot

Don’t think they have nearly enough to be contenders. Maybe esp. in that division. But Rodon fell to them at the #3 pick, they’ve already said it’s “likely” he can start 2015 in their rotation. They’re at least TRYING, soon enough.

Magnifico can throw 102 mph. Semien is getting bounced all around, maybe to outfield from 2B to 3B. Cal grad, grew up a Giants fan. I’ve likened him to a #2 hitter (without much power) like Bonifacio, Infante, or Scutaro.